We have today heard that the relocation of Bournville College to the former MG Rover site at Longbridge has been given the green light.

Earlier today the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) announced that 13 college projects – including Bournville College – will progress to the next stage of development.

I am delighted by the news. Everybody knows of the recent difficulties with LSC budgets for further education. Lots of people have been working hard to take up the case of Bournville College – and particular praise is due to the College themselves for the work they have done. As Northfield’s MP I have been pressing the case in Parliament and with government ministers for Bournville College to be given the go ahead.

The creation of a new college at the Longbridge site is really important to boosting skills in the area and providing real opportunities for young – and not so young – people in the years to come. Just as important, the college will be an absolutely vital catalyst to the redevelopment of Longbridge and the regeneration of the wider south Birmingham area. The important thing now is to get on and do it.

I am aware that the LSC is asking all successful colleges to reduce their costs and that’s understandable. However, it is obviously important that the potential of this project for the South Birmingham area is not compromised.